UPDATES FROM 10/27/11 DESIGN TEAM MEETING WITH PAUL

Paul asked the team to think bigger regarding the student profile/progress mapping design we are considering. Request was for us to look into the attractor factors of gaming, online mapping tools, student portfolios, facebook, edmodo, voicethread to see if there are feaures that could be combined to make a better mousetrap.

UPDATE ON RESEARCH ON USE OF VOICETHREAD AND MAPPING FEATURE
Voicethread:

Comments from Simone: I had a chance to think about the use of Voicethread in relation to our project. The concept could be a nice addition. Here's why:

1. I looked at a few online student portfolios and none of them have a narration feature. Some of them you can post a video, but that is a bit different from narration. Imagine a portfolio thats uploaded and narrated by a student. The voice can be a powerful thing. A voice matched to a face and portfolio is a very personal touch. What if a student recorded their personal statement and the admissions officer could hear the student as they read the statement. Kind of like those Hallmark cards that you can record your own message.


Mapping/Goal Setting Features:

1. I also had the opportunity to look at some mapping features but was drawnto (after further thought) to some goal mapping tools, which is really close to what we were envisioning a student being able to track ie. goals associated with the college admissions process. I was glad to see the following info. Click on some of the suggestions and in a broad sense you will see how we may be able to use this concept in our design:

1. 43Things is a community of people who have set similar goals and want to achieve them. Users can set goals, track them, share them with others, talk about their goals and more. The tool is all about making a list of goals and having the world motivate you to get them done. You could also set reminders for your goals and browse goals shared by other people.

2. Stickk aims to help you stick to your resolutions and commitments. Here’s how it works: you set a target for yourself and a timeframe in which you want to achieve it. The unique part is that you put something on stake (like money), designate a person to monitor your progress towards the goal (called a referee) and garner supporters who will applaud as you take steps to reach your destination. Overall, an interesting concept to help people achieve their goals.

3. Achievr is a web-based solution for setting and tracking goals that uses the S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time Bound) criteria to help you set goals in the right manner. You can use your Facebook or Google account to sign in and get started immediately by adding goals and the respective deadlines.

4. WeekPlan lets you set goals for the week (or even long term goals) and create a task list for each day of the week that will help you achieve that goal. Inspired by the famous book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, this tool intends to help you remember your long term goal each day by doing something towards achieving it. You can also enter your mission statement and past achievements to stay motivated.

5. Get Goaling wants you to create specific action plans for your goals and track them by the amount of action you’ve taken and the due date. If you were able to successfully take an action, that step is a “hit”. If not, it’s a “miss”. It offers various goal tracking options and also lets you share your goals with friends.

6. Don’t Break The Chain is an innovative goal accomplishing tool that uses the productivity technique described by the famous stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld (as documented in this Lifehacker article). You end up marking specific days on your calendar for doing something towards achieving your goal, forming a visual chain through the days to help you keep going. Seinfeld mentions that this concept encourages you to work more because you don’t want to “break that chain”.

7. GoalBot helps you learn how to set and achieve your goals the right way. It helps you create detailed plans, browse for goals that most people want to achieve and see the steps you might want to take in order to achieve them. It also helps you find local groups of people that might have similar goals, with the idea that you could benefit by connecting with them.

8. 42goals is a simple tool for setting and tracking daily goals. It already has some predefined common goals like “quitting smoking”, “exercising” and several others to help you get started with the tracking immediately. The user interface is clean and easy to navigate.

Full Article Here:

http://workawesome.com/goals/online-goal-tracking-tools/

Game Exploration (M):

I looked at a variety of sites to see if there would be applicable games that are used in a gamefication learning sense that would be beneficial for teenagers preparing for college.

  1. Facebook:
    1. SIM Social and picking up aspects of conservatism through use in playing as city managers/builders
    2. ESPNU College Town helping conceptualize the needed resources of a college campus
    3. Farmville, teaching people annoyance avoidance
  2. LinkedIn:
    1. No games, just profiles of game makers
  3. Google +:
    1. Similar cross between Facebook's games and Apple App games
  4. What If Sports:
    1. Simulation games based on statistics learning how to strategically build a athletic team

Background:

This is the Wiki Site for the MALT 14 Design Project of Student Portfolios

Next Group Meeting:

*17Oct2011 @ 6:00 on Google+

Legend:

(E) = Elo

(S) = Simone

(M) = Matt

(A) = Alise



Assignment # 2 (Due: 20Oct2011)

1. Decide on your learning objective: What will your design accomplish. Answer who, what, where, when How and who?

  • Design Accomplish:

    • (M) Design to accomplish the creation of a marketing tool for High School Students to assist them in getting into college and internships
    • (S) Design a secure online venue where students (athletes) can manage information on their academic, athletic, and community service activities for presentation to college admissions officers and Division I, II, and III coaches.
    • (S) Design an online buddy system for student accountability. Students connect, meet milestones, post visual checklists, newsfeeds, and track the progress of friends throughout the nation surrounding the one goal of obtaining college admission and/or a scholarship. Create a competitive gaming environment directed by the goals shared by groups whose activities are mapped online with push-pin style icons representing school/team colors. Think of a students progress relected in the same way the Norad Santa Tracker works at Christmas time or similiar to Four Square in that it shows where masses of college applicants and their friends are "at" in there admissions process!
    • (E) Design a space where students can showcase and link all of their extra-curricular activities, interests, hobbies, and accomplishments. To establish a sort of portal that can easily house and access all of their social networks, videos, and other media that encompasses their digital footprint.
    • (E) By designing such a portal and easily accessible space, creating a more accountable and responsible teen aware and concerned about the content they post in the virtual world.
    • Who:

    • (M) High School Students / Juniors & Seniors
    • (S) High school student (athletes)
    • (E) High School students and community college students looking to transfer to a four year college.
    • (E) College Admission Offices can also be a part of this site by giving important tips, information, and answering common questions about admission.
    • What:

    • (M) Web-Site / Similar to LinkedIn
    • (S) Students (athletes) build networks online to acquire new resources, track each others progress, gain feedback, and share information with peers vital to their goal of college admission and scholarship.
    • (E) Website that functions as site with pertinent information for students; a portal that houses important information about students for colleges to view and acquire a better sense of various applicants, adding the real world factor to applications and resumes.
    • When:

    • (M) Prototype Beta Tested / June 2012
    • (S) Peridoic Testing During phases of Development
    • (E) In a quickly growing and vastly changing media hinges on social media, students and teens would benefit from such a site/service.
  • How:

    • (M) Benchmarking Current Products
    • (M) Pilot Testing with College Recruiters & Students
    • (M) Outsourced Web Design
    • (S) Student Opinion Poll or/ and Surveys
    • (S) Soliciting input from professionals that have a vested interest in the success of high school students (athletes) such as the Commissioner on Higher Education, select Admissions Officers, and select College Coaches on key information that would be an advantage to students to post online.
    • (E) Piloting the site with a group of high school students. Involving college admission offices. Involving College recruiters.
    • Learning Objective:

    • (M) High School students able to learn from other students via modeling behavior and community circle communications (M) Web-Site counseling services (S) Educate high school students (athletes) on how to gather, format, and effectively communicate information to create a comprehensive academic and personal profile online (S) Educate students (athletes) on the academic eligibility requirements of the NCAA, NAIA, and the overall academic/athletic scholarship process.
    • (E) Establishing and maintaining a strong sense of character and accountability in teens about their futures. Communicating through community circles, allowing colleges access to their personal sites, and marketing their accomplishments, students will be more cognizant of their actions and consequences. Students can also have a better sense of various colleges and what kind of student that they are looking for.

2. Identify your users: Be aware of human learning needs. Watch people in various situations. Identify and report on all issues/learning needs that interest you. Think about why they interest you and be aware of your teams interests.

  • Users:

    • (M) High School Students / Public, Private, & Home Schooled
    • (S) High School Students (Athletes)
    • (E) High School students and community college students looking to transfer to a four year college.
    • (E) College Admission Offices can also be a part of this site by giving important tips, information, and answering common questions about admission.
  • Human Learning Needs:

    • (M) Peer Modeling
    • (M) Peer Dialogue
    • (M) Subject Matter Expert Mentoring & Coaching
    • (S) Motivationthat spurs a student to want to learn more about the site, what it offers, and the benefits the site may offer. Motivation that activates, directs, and sustains a student interest to continue to share information and exchange ideas online.
    • (S) Social(sense of belonging) that the student does not have to feel isolated in the process of seeking college admission, that they believe their input to be valuable and important, and that they belong to a larger group with a common interest.
    • (E) Self-actualization– through this site, students can discover the paths they might want to venture on; they will concentrate on their own image and profile they show to the world; and will quickly become aware of who they truly are, when making decisions about what to post or not to post.
    • Learning Issues:

    • (M) Varying degrees of motivation & initiative by users
    • (M) Lack of institutional control of receiving bad advice
    • (S) Lack of and/ or limited access to technology at home and in school.
    • (S) Student (athletes) limited access to individuals knowledgeable about or willing to provide professional guidance on the academic eligibility process.
    • (E) Establishing trust in the site and the true positive effects it may have on students' futures.
    • (E) Convincing students of the true usefulness of site and encouraging them to establish a less casual and more purposeful image on the internet.
    • Why Interest in Topic:

    • (M) Valuable resource to a mass market
    • (M) Potential to decrease High School Students anxieties on their future plans
    • (S) Increases awareness of the academic requirements of the athletic scholarship process among student-athletes. Decreases the number of student-athletes that are unaware of information vital to them pursuing college admissions and scholarship opportunities.
    • (E) Teens use the internet and social media without true knowledge of its reach and lasting consequences. The quickly changing technology of the internet intends to make things easier, which in turn can sometimes make people forget about its "permanent" grasp on information and content.

3. Analyze the learning problem. Look at the learning need from many perspectives (personal, social, institutional) and consider consequences of not meeting need. Will the needs be best met by information? interaction? motivation?

  • Personal Learning Need:

    • (M) Understanding competitive application process and application expectations
    • (S) Students (athletes) learn their academic work and extracurricular activities will be assessed through an eligibility process that is cumulative. Coursework taken, grades attained, and activities participated in as a freshman are as important as those attained and undertaken as a senior in high school.
    • (S) Students learn that the admissions process is a series of steps that can be divided into managable goals. Every step toward the goal (large or small) is important.
    • (E) Students will learn the importance of being a "well-rounded" student; they will realize how different factors such as academics, athletics, extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, social profile, etc. are all equally important and relevant to their admission to college and their future goals.
    • Social Learning Need:

    • (M) Ability to benchmark against and with other students
    • (S)Social (sense of belonging) that the student does not have to feel isolated in the process of seeking college admission, that they believe their input to be valuable and important, and that they belong to a larger group with a common interest.
    • (S)Peer behavior modeling can be an important social factor in promoting accountability.
    • (E) Realting to other students in similar situations, whether it be high school students going through admission process; figuring out what kinds of attributes are necessary for their future plans; community college student who are university bound.
    • Institutional Learning Need:

    • (M) Additional resource to uncover new college talent using an unconventional method to further diversify college institutions
    • (S) Resource for college recruiters/coaches to access students (athletes) who know and have prepared themselves for the eligibility process and are viable candidates for college admittance and scholarship.
    • (S) The peer tracking feature is an ideal way for school administrators to view at-a-glance where individual students are in their college admission process. And for large audiences of students (ie an entire study body) to be engaged around one goal.
    • (E) Will be a resource for both colleges and students alike to track progress of the college admission process.
    • Consequences of Not Meeting Need:

    • (M) Maintaining current environment where the best advice comes from those with the motivation or the capability to pay for extensive counseling services; continued lack of information for the average student

    • (S) Students continue to loose scholarship opportunities due to the disparity in resources, professional guidance, and information they freely have access to.

    • (S) Students continue to lack interest in, not have the proper guidance to, or feel isolated while moving through the admissions process.

    • (E) Students will continue to use social media such as facebook, twitter, and other platforms in a casual manner, not fully realizing what they do today may affect them tomorrow, including but not limited to acceptance into college, landing a coveted internship, receiving scholarships, receiving job offers, etc.


      How Will the Needs be Met:

    • (M) Needs will more than likely be met through all three aspects by informational by having actual linked reading articles; social in terms of peer learning through message boards, forums, modeling, etc.; and institutional with college recruiters & counselors able to pass advice

    • (S) Ability to upload personal and/or athletic highlight video

    • (S) Include an “ask a coach/college admissions officer” feature

    • (S) Ability to post letters of recommendation

    • (S) Development of an online buddy system that students can connect, meet milestones, post visual checklists, check newsfeed, form competing groups and track the progress of friends throughout the nation surrounding the one goal of obtaining admission to college and/or achieve an academic and athletic scholarship.

    • (E) By making all aspects of student's life easily accessible, colleges can view a student's site to receive a "Big Picture" view of the individual applying to their school, not just what is on paper. Through having links to social media sites, uploaded video, digital portfolios, etc. students will "bare it all" for colleges to make more informed decisions about their students.

4. Research existing solutions: What programs or resources already exist that impact the need? How have others approached the issue?

  • Current Similar Resources that Impact the Need:

    • (M) School Counselors
    • (M) Paid College Counselors
    • (M) Web Research Resources
    • (S) Paid Recruiting and Advising Services
    • (S) Other sites have largely approached the issue by providing reading resources to the students. Students are on the receiving end of the information. A goal should be to place students moreso on the giving/collaborative end so they are more likely to read and exchange ideas.
    • (E) Sites such as facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter impact the need, unfortunately in a negative manner. Students' lack of accountability for details in their personal life often times may work against them in their future goals.
  • Similar Programs in Existence:

5. Apply learning theory: What theories might apply in your situation?

  • Applicable Learning Theories:

    • (M) Social Learning
    • (M) Reflective Learning
    • (M) Peer Modeling
    • (M) Mentoring
    • (S) Wikinomics: Sharing, Peering, Collaborating, and Thinking Globally
    • (S) Wikinomics: Technology as a Disruptive Force that Brings About Change
    • (E) All of the above... Collaborative, social, reflective, peer oriented learning.

Note: This assignment is due October 20 as a webpage or wiki that will continue to serve as your project working space to hold all your meeting notes and design ideas.


Matt, Elo, and Simone… I like where you all are going with this and though it’s too late for this assignment I would like to get in on this design project, but I do have a few questions…

1. Will you all always be meeting on at 6pm? I am STRUGGELING to make the 6/7pm meetings in the other classes as I have recently been given new assignments at work that are keeping me here later and later. (M) I'm flexible time-wise outside of the 7:30 to 8:00 Pacific time block
2. I love that you are targeting students that want to attend 4 year universities but what about 2 year community colleges as well?

3. Does you r vision of this system include a system to for: A-G or A-G like progress measurement system, GPA, Academic GPA, Class Rank, PSAT scores, Explore scores, SAT scores, ACT scores, AP test scores, Scholarship applications and award notifications, essays, State Exams (if positive), etc. Vlogs introducing the student and their mission statement/ secondary education goals. I think I did see community service hours, letters of rec, etc… I saw that you wanted to include recruitment/advising offices, this would be excellent if we had them sign accountability statements regarding FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) guidelines etc… I think you said it looks a little like Linked in but for students interested in going to college. Will you use a circles approach like in Google plus or friends list like Facebook in terms of what is super private, Semi Private, Public for like friends to see etc…

4. Instead of just links to resumes could there also be links to college applications? I also really see a need to provide information to parents on what their students should expect/need to be doing each year 9th/10th/11th/12th.
Reason for this is because Parents often want to help students in their pursuit of secondary education but have no idea how. This way they also get to see deadlines, procedures and what the competition (other students are doing, this aspect can help to motivate both students and parents)

Alise

*What are the Items That Kids Need to do to get into college:

FRESHMAN YEAR
  1. 1. Talk with your parents about college, tell them you are thinking about it.
  2. 2. Meet with your counselor to discuss your college plans.
  3. 3. Review your schedule to make sure you're enrolled in college preparatory classes that will help you prepare for college. (Colleges prefer 4 years of English, 3-4 of History, 4 of math, 3-4 of science and 2-3 of foreign language.) If not have your parents speak with your counselor about putting you on the college track.
  4. 4. Go on line and look up required courses and tests for colleges that you might be interested in attending.
  5. 5. Start a calendar with important dates and deadlines.
  6. 6. Learn who and where your resources are. (Who seems helpful on your campus when you ask questions about college, where is the career center, what kinds of events do they have there, can you get free tutoring on your campus and where, etc.)
  7. 7. Get involved with extracurricular activities.
  8. 8. Go to college fairs in your area.
Winter
  1. 1. Continue to learn about Colleges
  2. 2. Begin to find out about college costs and how financial aid works.
  3. 3. Talk to your family about college financing. (If more help is needed speak with your career center or HS counselor ask them what resources they have regarding saving money for college)
  4. 4. Find out about college firsthand from friends who are home for the holidays.
  5. 5. Prepare for Tests, talk to your counselor and teachers about taking PSAT, EXPLORE or SAT Subject Tests in your strong subjects this spring. Take Subject Tests such as World History, Biology E/M and Chemistry while the material is still fresh in your mind.
Spring
  1. 1. Stay Focused
  2. 2. Sign up for college preparatory courses for next year.
  3. 3. Explore Summer Opportunities
  4. 4. Look for a great summer opportunity — job, internship or volunteer position.
  5. 5. Check with your counselor and search online for summer learning programs.
Summer
  1. 1. Start a summer reading list. Ask your teachers to recommend books.
  2. 2. Go online and download free SAT word lists/definitions
  3. 3. Visit college campuses to get a feel for your options. Start with colleges near you.
  4. 4. Get out and do something for someone else! Keep track of community service hours
  5. 5. If possible take a class in Summer School to get ahead, or fix any mistakes you may have made during the school year.
SOPHMORES
  1. 1. Meet with your counselor to discuss your college plans.
  2. 2. Review your schedule to make sure you're enrolled in college preparatory classes that will help you prepare for college. (Colleges prefer 4 years of English, 3-4 of History, 4 of math, 3-4 of science and 2-3 of foreign language.) If not have your parents speak with your counselor about putting you on the college track.
  3. 3. Use College Search to find out the required courses and tests for colleges that you might be interested in attending.
  4. 4. Start a calendar with important dates and deadlines.
  5. 5. Get involved with extracurricular activities.
  6. 6. Go to college fairs in your area.
  7. 7. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT (Sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT, which is given in October. Ask your counselor for the date, school code, nearest testing site and for fee waivers. Get free online PSAT/NMSQT practice)
Winter
  1. 1. Prepare for Tests
  2. 2. Talk to your counselor and teachers about taking SAT Subject Tests in your strong subjects this spring. Take Subject Tests such as World History, Biology E/M and Chemistry while the material is still fresh in your mind.
  3. 3. Learn about Colleges
  4. 4. Learn about college costs and how financial aid works.
  5. 5. Decide how much money you'll need for college, whether you're on track to save enough, and what you need to do to reach your goal. Talk to your family about college financing.
  6. 6. Visit colleges while they're in session.
  7. 7. Find out about college firsthand from friends who are home for the holidays.
Spring
  1. 1. Stay Focused
  2. 2. Sign up for college preparatory courses for next year.
  3. 3. Explore Summer Opportunities (Look for a great summer opportunity job, internship or volunteer position)
  4. 4. Check with your counselor and search online for summer learning programs.
Summer
  1. 1. Plan to visit college campuses to get a feel for your options. Start with colleges near you.
Finalize your summer plans.
  1. 2. Start Applying for Scholarships, check out the FastWeb scholarship website.


JUNIOR YEAR

  1. 1. Take the PSAT/NMSQT, ACT
  2. 2. At school, sign up early to take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. (Get PSAT/NMSQT tips and a free practice test. When taking the PSAT/NMSQT)
  3. 3. Start Your College Search (Jump-start your college planning by reading about majors and careers.)
  4. 4. Update your portfolio
    1. a. Make lists of your abilities, preferences and personal qualities.
    2. b. List things you may want to study and do in college.
  5. 5. Begin Thinking about Financial Aid
  6. 6. Talk to your counselor about your college plans. Attend college night and financial aid night at your school. Use financial aid calculators to estimate your aid eligibility and college costs.
Winter
  1. 1. Talk to your counselor about your college plans. Attend college night and financial aid night at your school. Use financial aid calculators to estimate your aid eligibility and college costs.
  2. 2. Get Ready for the SAT, ACT (Prepare for the SAT and ACT by going online to the sites and taking a free full-length official practice test)
  3. 3. Then get a score and skills report. Learn which skills you need to improve.
Practice for your test a little every day
  1. 4. Ask your Counselor for SAT and ACT fee waivers to see if you qualify to take the test for free
  2. 5. Schedule Your Spring Testing
  3. 6. You can take either the SAT or up to three SAT Subject Tests on one test day. Plan your testing schedule carefully if you want to take both, and register for two separate test dates. See the SAT schedule of test dates and locations, register online for the SAT.
  4. 7. See the ACT schedule of test dates and locations, register online for the ACT.
  5. 8. Continue Applying for Scholarships.
Spring
  1. 1. Explore Colleges (Start visiting local colleges: large, small, public and private. Get a feel for what works for you. Develop an initial list of 5-10 colleges that interest you. You can narrow it down later.
  2. 2. Prepare for AP Exams
  3. 3. Do well on AP Exams and receive credit, advanced placement or both at most colleges for qualifying scores.
  4. 4. Plan Ahead for the Summer & Senior Year
  5. 5. Review your senior year class schedule with your counselor. Challenge yourself with honors and AP classes.
  6. 6. Plan summer activities early. Enrich yourself by volunteering, getting an interesting job or internship, or signing up for special summer learning programs.
  7. 7. Request Letters of Recommendation from teachers, coaches, supervisors etc…
  8. 8. Get a copy of your Transcripts before Summer Break to help you fill out college applications.
  9. 9. Request applications from the colleges you're planning to apply to. Check important dates; some colleges have early dates or rolling admission. Consult the College Application Calendar and the Financial Aid Calendar for a basic idea of the applications timeline.
  10. 10. Narrow your list of colleges to approximately 4 to 7, and review it with your counselor.

Summer
  1. 1. Visit colleges. Take campus tours and, at colleges you're serious about, schedule interviews with admission officers. Be sure to bring your campus visit checklist.
  2. 2. Request applications from the colleges you're planning to apply to. Check important dates; some colleges have early dates or rolling admission. Consult the College Application Calendar and the Financial Aid Calendar for a basic idea of the applications timeline.
  3. 3. Continue Applying for Scholarships.
  4. 4. Make a master calendar and note:
    1. a. Test dates, fees and deadlines
    2. b. College application due dates
    3. c. Required financial aid applications and their deadlines
SENIOR
  1. 1. Continue Applying for Scholarships.
  2. 2. Request applications from the colleges you're planning to apply to. Check important dates; some colleges have early dates or rolling admission. Consult the College Application Calendar and the Financial Aid Calendar for a basic idea of the applications timeline.
  3. 3. Pull Your Applications Together
  4. 4. Get an application and financial aid info from each. Visit as many as possible
  5. 5. Update your master calendar and note:
  6. 6. Gather Recommendations, transcripts and other necessary materials
  7. 7. Know your high school's deadline for application requests, such as your transcript
  8. 8. Ask for recommendations again. Give each person your resume, a stamped and addressed envelope, and any required forms.
  9. 9. Write application essays and ask teachers, family members and friends to read first drafts.
  10. 10. Decide Whether to Apply Early Action or Early Decision
  11. 11. November 1: For early admission, colleges may require test scores and applications in early November.
  12. 12. Send your SAT, ACT, AP scores.
  13. 13. Review Application Details (Most regular applications are due between November 30th and February 15. Keep copies of everything you send to colleges)
  14. 14. Have your high school send your transcript to colleges.
  15. 15. Contact colleges to make sure they've received all application materials.
  16. 16. Ask if your college offers an early estimate of financial aid eligibility.
  17. 17. Get Financial Aid Info
  18. 18. Attend financial aid info events in your area.
  19. 19. Use Scholarship Search, review scholarship books, and ask your counselor about local and state funding sources.
Winter
  1. 1. Use Scholarship Search, review scholarship books, and ask your counselor about local and state funding sources.
  2. 2. Apply for Financial Aid (You and your family should save this year's pay stubs to estimate income on aid forms that you'll file early next year.)
  3. 3. Submit your FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible. (Men who are 18 years of age or older must register with Selective Service to receive federal financial aid.) (Many priority financial aid deadlines fall in February. To get the most attractive award package, apply by the priority date. Keep copies of everything you send.)
  4. 4. Continue to apply for Scholarships
Spring
  1. 1. Review Acceptance Letters (You should get acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April.)
  2. 2. Compare Your Aid Awards to compare awards from different colleges. Talk to financial aid officers at your college if you have questions about the award offered.
  3. 3. If you haven't already, visit your final college before accepting.
  4. 4. Make Your Final Choice by May 1
  5. 5. You must tell every college of your acceptance or rejection of offers of admission or financial aid by May 1.
  6. 6. Send a deposit to the college you choose.
  7. 7. Wait-listed? If you will enroll if accepted, tell the admission officer your intent and ask how to strengthen your application.
  8. 8. Need financial aid? Ask if funds will be available if you're accepted.
  9. 9. Enjoy Graduation!

Summer
  1. 10. Ask your high school to send a final transcript to your college.
  2. 11. Start preparing for the year ahead.
  3. 12. Continue to apply for Scholarships

(M) Well, that just about said it all, I thought I was going to get ahead and post the day after and am blown away by this. Anywho, great job, here is my miniscule list:

1. Identify potential colleges
2. Research identified colleges
3. Select 3 potential colleges & 1 backup college to apply for
4. Identify each colleges application requirements & preferred selection criteria
5. Take SAT or ACT prep course
6. Take SAT or ACTs
- Visit preferred colleges
7. Write application essays
8. Apply to colleges
9. Forward SAT or ACT scores to colleges applied to
10. Forward High School Transcripts to Colleges
11. Complete FAFSA Application
12. Solidify college finances
13. Review college application acceptance letters & rejection letters.
14. Decision on college to attend
15. Send acceptance letter to college
16. Schedule orientation session at college of choice
17. Identify housing preference and secure room & board

In addition to the actions required of a college bound high school student (as noted above from our team),
an aspiring athlete need the following to be considered for admission to a Division I and II University athletic program.

Academic-Eligibility Requirements DIVISION I
If you want to participate in athletics or receive an athletics scholarship during your first year, you must:
Graduate from high school;
Complete these 16 core courses:
- 4 years of English - 3 years of math (Algebra 1 or higher) - 2 years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab
science if offered by your high school) - 1 extra year of English, math, or natural or physical science - 2 years of social science - 4 years of extra core courses (from any category above, or
foreign language, comparative religion or philosophy);
Earn a minimum required grade-point average in your core courses; and
Earn a combined SAT or ACT sum score that matches your core-course grade-point average and test score sliding scale (for example, a 2.400 core-course grade-point average needs an 860 SAT).
Requirement to graduate with your high school class
You must complete the 16 core-course requirement in eight semesters, which begins when you initially started high school withyourninth-gradeclass. Ifyougraduatefromhighschoolin eight semesters with your class, you may use one core-course unit completed within one year after graduation (summer or academic year) to meet NCAA Division I initial-eligibility requirements.
You may complete the core course at a location other than the high school from which you graduated and may initially enroll full time at a college or university at any time after completion of the core course.

DIVISION II
Students Enrolling Prior to August 1, 2013
If you enroll in a Division II college and want to participate in athletics or receive an athletics scholarship during your first year, you must:

Graduate from high school;
You will be considered a partial qualifier if you do not meet all of the academic requirements listed above, but you have graduated from high school and meet one of the following: The combined SAT score of 820 or ACT sum score of 68; or
Complete these 14 core courses: - 3 years of English - 2 years of math (Algebra 1 or higher) - 2 years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab
Completion of the 14 core courses with a 2.000 core-course grade-point average.
science if offered by your high school) - 2 additional years of English, math, or natural or physical science - 2 years of social science - 3 years of extra core courses (from any category above, or
foreign language, comparative religion or philosophy);
Earn a 2.000 grade-point average or better in your core courses;
and
Earn a combined SAT score of 820 or an ACT sum score of 68.
For individuals enrolling at a college or university in Puerto Rico, earn a combined Prueba de Aptitud Academica score of 730.

Students Enrolling on or After August 1, 2013
If you enroll full time in a Division II college on or after August 1, 2013, and want to participate in athletics or receive an athletics scholarship during your first year, you must:
Graduate from high school;
As a nonqualifier, you:
Complete these 16 core courses: - 3 years of English - 2 years of math (Algebra 1 or higher) - 2 years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab
Cannot receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college, although you may receive need-based financial aid; and
Can play four seasons in your sport if you maintain your eligibility from year to year.
science if offered by your high school) - 3 additional years of English, math, or natural or physical
science - 2 years of social science - 4 years of additional core courses (from any category above, or
foreign language, comparative religion or philosophy);
Earn a 2.000 grade-point average or better in your core courses;
and
EarnacombinedSATscoreof820oranACTsumscoreof68. For
individualsenrollingatacollegeoruniversityinPuertoRico,earn a combined Prueba de Aptitud Academica score of 730

DIVISION III

Division III colleges and universities develop student-athlete potential through a holistic educational approach that includes rigorous academics, competitive athletics and opportunity to pursue many interests and passions.Student-athletes are responsible for their own paths and are provided with many opportunitiestodevelopwithinacomprehensiveeducational experience. DivisionIIIminimizestheconflictsbetweenathletics and academics through shorter playing and practicing seasons, a lower number of contests, no redshirting or out-of-season organized activities, and a focus on regional in-season and conference play.
Division III college-bound student-athletes are not certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center because Division III colleges and universities each set their own admissions standards and there are no initial-eligibility requirements in the division. College- bound student-athletes should contact their Division III college or university regarding policies on admission, financial aid and athletics eligibility.

STEPS TOWARD ELIGIBILITY
Steps to Achieving Your Eligibility
Freshmen and Sophomores
Start planning now! Work hard to get the best grades possible. Take classes that match your high school’s list of NCAA courses.
The NCAA Eligibility Center will use only approved core courses
to certify your initial eligibility. You can access and print your high school’s list of NCAA
coursesatwww.eligibilitycenter.org. ClicktheNCAACollege- Bound Student-Athlete link to enter and then navigate to the “Resources” tab and select “U.S. Students” where you will find the link for the list of NCAA courses.
If you fall behind, use summer school sessions before graduation to catch up.

Juniors

At the beginning of your junior year, complete your online registration at www.eligibilitycenter.org.
Register to take the ACT, SAT or both and use the NCAA Eligibility Center code“9999”as a score recipient.Doing this sends your official score directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Double check to make sure the courses you have taken match your school’s list of NCAA courses.
Ask your high school counselor to send an official transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center after completing your junior year. If you have attended more than one high school, the NCAA Eligibility Center will need official transcripts from all high schoolsattended. (TheNCAAEligibilityCenterdoesNOT accept faxed transcripts or test scores.)
Before registering for classes for your senior year, check with your high school counselor to determine the amount of core courses that you need to complete your senior year.

Seniors
Take the ACT and/or SAT again, if necessary. The NCAA Eligibility Center will use the best scores from each section of the ACT or SAT to determine your best cumulative score.
Continue to take college-prep courses. Check the courses you have taken to match your school’s list of
NCAA courses. Review your amateurism responses and request final
amateurism certification on or after April 1 (for fall enrollees) or
October 1 (for spring enrollees). Continue to work hard to get the best grades possible. Graduate on time (in eight academic semesters). After graduation, ask your high school counselor to send your
final transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center with proof of graduation.

Information noted is from the NCAA Guide for the College Bound Athlete


Summary_Alert_WikiSpace_Update_10-26-11.jpg

Assignment # 3 (Due 06Nov11) Tool Auditions: Test tools, communities and markets


(S)
This program functions in a similiar fashion to The Nordac Santa Tracker and Mobile Data Information Systems. Look at these YouTube examples:

Geo Vision


ArgisMobile Demo



Norad Santa Tracker



(E) So this is not exactly what we were talking about, but it is a starting point. Also maybe something like this can be used as a piece of the whole project by combining different tools to get our desired end result! Just an example.. there are many more out there.
http://www.ammap.com/

(E) We talked about intergrating maybe a thermometer or goal tracker of sorts to show their progress... how far they have come..
here are some sites. Some of these are more for fundraising, but you get the idea.
external image fundraiser-goal-thermometer-thumb7625364-resized-600.jpgCould be your teams on one side and the other teams on the other and you see how you compare...
http://www.goal-setting-help.com/goal-thermometer.html
http://www.fundraiserinsight.org/thermometer/
http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com/tools/fundraising-thermometer/

Assignment # 4 (Due 04Dec11) Prototyping: Rapid prototype, Apply design principles

For Intial Prototype see:

http://www.weebly.com/weebly/main.php

Assignment # 5 (Due 11Dec11) Project Plan: Sync time and talents, cross training

Assignment # Promotional Plan